Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Adapted from www.aanmc.org
Naturopathic medicine is a form of primary care medicine. It blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care.
Naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness; the medicine is tailored to the patient and emphasizes prevention and self-care and factors in physical, social, environmental, emotional and spiritual factors.
Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
The scope of practice of a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) includes: nutrition, herbal medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, pharmacology, minor surgery, acupuncture and parenteral therapy.
Naturopathic medicine is a form of primary care medicine. It blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care.
Naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness; the medicine is tailored to the patient and emphasizes prevention and self-care and factors in physical, social, environmental, emotional and spiritual factors.
Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
The scope of practice of a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) includes: nutrition, herbal medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, pharmacology, minor surgery, acupuncture and parenteral therapy.
What is the difference between Naturopathic Doctors and Medical Doctors?
A Medical Doctor (MD) typically attends a 4-year nationally accredited medical school followed by a residency program. A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) attends a 4-year nationally accredited naturopathic medical school which includes 2-3 years of clinical experience.
Both programs include training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neuroscience, microbiology, clinical laboratory diagnosis, physical/clinical diagnosis, gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology, and pharmacology.
It is in the last couple years of training that the fields begin to diversify. Naturopathic Doctors are rigorously trained in alternative modalities such as: homeopathy, botanical medicine, naturopathic manipulation, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, diet/lifestyle Ccunseling, and parenteral therapy. Both an MD and an ND are required to pass nationally recognized Basic Sciences Board Exams and Clinical Sciences Board Exams. Both are then required to pass Jurisprudence exams in order to gain provincial licensure. Both a Medical doctor and a Naturopathic doctor are trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
The major difference lies in the philosophy where, generally speaking, Medical doctors are trained to treat symptoms while Naturopathic doctors are trained to investigate the underlying causes of illness.
Both programs include training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neuroscience, microbiology, clinical laboratory diagnosis, physical/clinical diagnosis, gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology, and pharmacology.
It is in the last couple years of training that the fields begin to diversify. Naturopathic Doctors are rigorously trained in alternative modalities such as: homeopathy, botanical medicine, naturopathic manipulation, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, diet/lifestyle Ccunseling, and parenteral therapy. Both an MD and an ND are required to pass nationally recognized Basic Sciences Board Exams and Clinical Sciences Board Exams. Both are then required to pass Jurisprudence exams in order to gain provincial licensure. Both a Medical doctor and a Naturopathic doctor are trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
The major difference lies in the philosophy where, generally speaking, Medical doctors are trained to treat symptoms while Naturopathic doctors are trained to investigate the underlying causes of illness.
What type of education and training are required to become a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic Medicine is a 4 year post secondary program following an undergraduate degree, including pre-medicine university courses in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and psychology – thus most naturopathic doctors have seven or more years of university. The 4-year, full-time naturopathic medical program includes 4,100 hours of academic, 2-3 years clinical experience and a one full-year clinical internship.
Licensed NDs are also required to have successfully completed North American licensing exams including basic sciences, (anatomy, biochmistry, microbiology, immunology, physiology and pathology), as well as clinical sciences (physical and clinical diagnosis,laboratory diagnosis and diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, emergency medicine, clinical nutrition, physical medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture and homeopathy).
Saskatchewan NDs also require the successful completion of provincial licensing exams including practical exams in physical and clinical diagnosis, acupuncture and manipulation, and a written exam in ethics and jurisprudence.
Annual continuing medical education credits are also required after obtaining a license from the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practioners.
Licensed NDs are also required to have successfully completed North American licensing exams including basic sciences, (anatomy, biochmistry, microbiology, immunology, physiology and pathology), as well as clinical sciences (physical and clinical diagnosis,laboratory diagnosis and diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, emergency medicine, clinical nutrition, physical medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture and homeopathy).
Saskatchewan NDs also require the successful completion of provincial licensing exams including practical exams in physical and clinical diagnosis, acupuncture and manipulation, and a written exam in ethics and jurisprudence.
Annual continuing medical education credits are also required after obtaining a license from the Saskatchewan Association of Naturopathic Practioners.
What can I expect on my first visit?
Your ND takes a detailed look at your personal history, symptoms, family history as well as other factors which may be contributing to your illness. They will then order any further testing that is required. Working with that information they will formulate a plan for you to get started on your road back to good health.
Follow up length and frequency are determined by your ND depending on what you condition is and the rate of progress that you make.
A typical first visit with an ND will range from 60 to 90 minutes in length so your ND can get to know you.
Follow up length and frequency are determined by your ND depending on what you condition is and the rate of progress that you make.
A typical first visit with an ND will range from 60 to 90 minutes in length so your ND can get to know you.
What types of conditions does Naturopathic Medicine address?
Naturopathic doctors treat any of the conditions that any other physician would treat. Naturopathic doctors seem to specialize and be particularly effective in the treatment of chronic diseases. Chronic disease refers to any lasting disorder or illness that have failed to effectively respond to previous treatments.
Naturopathic doctors see patients with colds and flus, hormonal problems, digestive problems, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases, cancers, diabetes, heart disease and many others. Because we treat the patient and not the disease we welcome patients with any type of health condition.
Naturopathic doctors see patients with colds and flus, hormonal problems, digestive problems, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases, cancers, diabetes, heart disease and many others. Because we treat the patient and not the disease we welcome patients with any type of health condition.
Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by my health care insurance plan?
Most third party health coverage providers cover the services of a licensed naturopathic doctor. Packages offered by providers differ between employers. Check with you own insurance provider to see if you have coverage.
Saskatchewan Health does not cover Naturopathic Medicine fees.
Saskatchewan Health does not cover Naturopathic Medicine fees.
What do I do if I have a complaint about a Naturopathic Doctor?
If you have a concern or would like to resolve a complaint:
~ First contact the Naturopathic Doctor, inform them of your concern and seek to resolve it through discussions with them. Most matters can be easily remedied through open communication. If that does not prove to be satisfactory:
~ Contact the SANP Registrar. At that time your will be asked to also submit a written summary of your concern, and will be informed of the resolution process that will be carried out.
~ First contact the Naturopathic Doctor, inform them of your concern and seek to resolve it through discussions with them. Most matters can be easily remedied through open communication. If that does not prove to be satisfactory:
~ Contact the SANP Registrar. At that time your will be asked to also submit a written summary of your concern, and will be informed of the resolution process that will be carried out.